The Show Must Go On: Natural Disaster Assistance for the Arts

Many thanks to the individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and government departments that have stepped up to assist the arts & culture community during this crucial time.  Your support is helping!

Latest Update: Thursday, June 27 @ 4:00 PM (Classified will update as resources become available)

Disaster resources for artists and art organizations may be found here.

• NEW! Apply for FEMA Assistance Following May 10 Tornado Outbreak
  Homeowners and renters in Leon County who were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on May 10 may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
• NEW! SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Florida Affected by Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds and Tornadoes (Please note: The loans are for businesses, nonprofits, & individuals with varying interest rates)
• Please note: COCA FY24 Grantees can use their COCA grants for disaster relief. Contact summer@tallahasseearts.org for details.

Help Arts, culture & heritage organizations impacted by the May 10th storms:

Railroad Square Organizations & Businesses Directly Hit by the Tornadoes

• Support RRS Organizations
• You can also share your thoughts on how Railroad Square should be saved here!

Amtrak Train Station by RRSQ Directly Hit by the Tornadoes:

• All Saints Cinema & TFS

Organizations that canceled shows and/or destroyed venue & equipment

• Southern Shakespeare
• Flying High Circus
• Tallahassee Ballet

Venues temporarily closed due to power outages and storm clean-up: 

• LeMoyne Arts
• Tallahassee Museum
• Challenger Learning Center
• Museum of Florida History
• Mission San Luis

Additional Resources for Organizations

FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM

FloridaCommerce announced that Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $2 million available for businesses impacted by the recent severe weather that impacted North Florida. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Businesses in Baker, Columbia, Escambia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply.

Leon County Property Damage Assessment

Leon County Emergency Management is seeking assistance from the public to document damage within Tallahassee and Leon County resulting from the severe weather incident that occurred on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Click here to fill out the Leon County Property Damage Form.

Once a citizen has completed a Property Damage Assessment, Leon County adds that report to our initial damage assessment. Your reported damage helps us appeal to the federal government for disaster relief and assistance. Your reported damage can help tell the story that our community needs national assistance to recover and return to normal.
Also, after filling out the form, if you have unmet needs, please contact 2-1-1 Big Bend by dialing 2-1-1 or calling 850-617-6333.

FloridaCommerce Business Damage Assessment Survey

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to the May Severe Weather event. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “May North Florida Tornadoes” from the dropdown menu.

Choosing the Right Tree Removal Service

If you’re dealing with fallen or damaged trees after the storm, you might be considering a tree removal service. We understand this can be a daunting task, so we've gathered valuable information from the UF/IFAS Leon County Extension to help you make an informed decision. Their guidelines offer insights on how to choose a reliable and professional tree service, ensuring your property is handled with care and expertise.
Click HERE to learn more about 'How to Hire a Tree Service.'

NEW! Microgrant for Leon County Businesses ​Impacted by the Tornado Available Now

United Partners for Human Services (UPHS) ​is offering microgrants to Leon County businesses impacted by the May 10 tornadoes. Applications are open now; there is no listed deadline. Click HERE to learn more.

Free Yard Clean Up

As the community continues to recover following the outbreak of tornadoes last week, residents can reach out to the following organizations for free yard clean up, including cutting and clearing trees from private property.

Samaritan's Purse: 833-747-1234
Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and Recovery Ministries: 904-253-0502

Artists & Organizations Offering Services

• Lindsey Masterson - working list of supplies can donate:
  • Art Canvases
  • Leftover paint
  • Tarps
  • Wood Scraps, large plywood pieces
  • Extension cords, light bulbs
  • Blankets, pillows
  • Screws, nails, etc.
  • Air mattress
  • Canned goods
  • Email lindsey@penandtooldesigns.com for details

Find Out More

Kathleen Spehar, Executive Director, COCA
kathleen@tallahasseearts.org | 850-224-2500 x2

Reenee Williams, Rapid Response Coordinator, CareerSource Capital Regionreenee.williams@careersourcecapitalregion.com | (850) 617-4616

Kathy Grunewald, Senior Disaster Coordination Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida  850-385-9007 (direct) kgrunewald@lsnf.org

Have resources to provide? Here is a list of potential supplies & donation ideas.

Would you like to provide any of the listed below? Contact Kathleen Spehar at kathleen@tallahasseearts.org or COCA staff via info@tallahasseearts.org. We will add your information to this growing list of community resources.

• Construction Materials:
  • Lumber
  • Plywood
  • Drywall
  • Nails, screws, and fasteners
  • Insulation
  • Roofing materials (shingles, tarps, etc.)
  • Windows and doors
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Power tools (drills, saws, sanders, etc.)
  • Hand tools (hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.)
  • Ladders and scaffolding
  • Generators and extension cords
  • Safety gear (gloves, goggles, helmets, etc.)
• Cleaning Supplies:
  • Brooms, mops, and dustpans
  • Buckets and sponges
  • Cleaning solutions (disinfectants, degreasers, etc.)
  • Trash bags and disposal containers
  • Pressure washers
• Paint and Finishing Supplies
  • Interior and exterior paint
  • Brushes, rollers, and paint trays
  • Painter's tape and drop cloths
  • Sandpaper and sanding blocks
  • Caulk and sealants
• Building Maintenance Services:
  • Carpentry and repair services
  • Painting and finishing services
  • Electrical and plumbing services
  • Roofing repair and installation
  • HVAC repair and maintenance
• Volunteer Labor:
  • Skilled tradespeople (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc.)
  • General laborers for cleanup and debris removal
  • Volunteers for painting, landscaping, and other restoration tasks
• Transportation and Logistics:
  • Trucks and trailers for hauling debris and materials
  • Delivery services for transporting supplies to affected areas
  • Rental equipment for temporary storage or workspace needs
• Financial Support:
  • Donations to relief funds and community organizations assisting with recovery efforts
  • Sponsorship or fundraising events to support specific restoration projects
  • Potential performance spaces for places to have rehearsals/performances
  • Discounts or waived fees for services provided to affected businesses and residents